Key takeaways
- Many early warning signs are visible from the ground.
- Interior stains mean water has already gotten in.
- Granules in the gutter are a sign of shingle wear.
- When in doubt, a free inspection settles it.
A roof does not fail overnight. It sends signals for months, sometimes years. Learn the signals and you can act while the fix is small.
From the yard
- Curling or cupping shingles. Edges lifting like potato chips mean the shingle has lost its flexibility.
- Missing or cracked shingles. Even one missing tab exposes the layer underneath.
- Dark streaks or moss. Algae and moss hold moisture against the surface.
- Sagging lines. A dip in the ridge or roof plane can point to deck or framing problems.
- Granules in the gutters. Those gritty bits protect the shingle from sun. When they wash away, the shingle is aging out.
From the attic
- Daylight through the roof boards. If you can see light, water can get in.
- Dark stains or damp insulation. Evidence of past or present leaks.
- A musty smell. Moisture is hanging around.
From the ceiling
- Brown rings or spreading stains. Water has traveled through the roof.
- Bubbling or peeling paint. Moisture is behind the surface.
Case note: a stain is the last clue, not the first. By the time you see one, the leak has usually been working for a while.
If you spot any of these, call or text for a free inspection. We will tell you whether it is a quick fix or something bigger.